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Peggy Koniz-BooherSenior Advisor Nutrition and SBCCUSAID Advancing Nutrition
Improving the Quality of Nutrition Counseling in Primary Health Care Settings
Common characteristics of counseling
• Interactive• Collaborative • Client-focused• Action-oriented• knowledge• Changes attitudes• Changes behaviors
Role of a nutrition counselor
What does the evidence suggest?
Nutritional counseling aims to—• Increase a client’s nutritional
literacy• Improve an individual’s dietary
intake and energy expenditure• Support mothers and other
caregivers in feeding infants and young children
• Address a wide range of health problems (from heart disease and diabetes to eating disorders)
The quality of counseling matters!
But roles are often misunderstood!
Multiple core competencies are needed for effective counseling
• Show respect and empathy • Follow ethical standards• Ask open-ended questions• Listen actively • Encourage + practices • Address client’s concerns• Communicate correct
information
• Check for understanding• Use communication
materials effectively • Discuss and agree on action • Make appropriate referrals• Schedule next meeting • End on a positive note• Provide follow-up
Let’s review the basics
Training is critical, but not enough!
To provide high-quality nutrition counseling, health workers need
Clear expectations
Timely feedback
Appropriate job aids
Incentives and motivation
Adequate environment
Crosscutting recommendations for effective counseling
• Establish quality standards for counseling • Focus training to improve counseling skills • Improve counseling content • Provide high-quality take-home
educational materials for clients • Prioritize supportive supervision• Monitor and collect data on the adoption of key
behaviors, adherence and outcomes.
Emerging opportunities
Theory of Change for Improving Health and Nutrition through Improved Counseling
FANTA III
Provider OutcomesExternal Inputs Client Outcomes
Theory of Change for Improving Health and Nutrition through Improved Counseling
FANTA III
Provider OutcomesExternal Inputs Client Outcomes
Theory of Change for Improving Health and Nutrition through Improved Counseling
FANTA III
Provider OutcomesExternal Inputs Client Outcomes
Theory of Change for Improving Health and Nutrition through Improved Counseling
FANTA III
Provider OutcomesExternal Inputs Client Outcomes
Codifying the basic steps in effective nutrition counseling?
Nutrition Assessment Counseling and Support (NACS)
FANTA III
GALIDRAA Counseling Model Greet, Ask, Listen, Identify, Discuss, Recommend, Agree, Appoint
GATHER Counseling Model Greet, Ask, Tell, Help, Explain, and Return
The 5 As – a simple mnemonic
Ask Assess Advise Agree Assist
Triple A: Assess, Analyze, and ActCommunity IYCF Counseling Package
But we also need greater investments in tools and training…
…in supportive supervision
…and in the innovative application of new technologies for these and follow-up care.
Investments in nutrition counseling are needed now!
USAID Advancing Nutrition is the Agency's flagship multi-sectoral nutrition project, addressing the root causes of malnutrition to save lives and enhance long-term health and development.
For More information, contact:[email protected]
